Core Camp provides a truly unique environment where students gain tools to walk into their future job with training and confidence. It allows for the development of strong relationships built within your class and amongst other peers from different schools. Goals are created, a true family atmosphere is felt, and students (along with advisors) walk away with an amazingly positive perspective on the year ahead. Core Camp is a family that focuses on developing a leader wholeheartedly. ~Jill Mortensen
Testimonials
Core camp really helps you find your strengths as a leader. Each time I leave Core Camp, I take many valuable skills, lessons, and memories with me. I have developed many strong relationships through core camp and many memories that will last me a lifetime. I am amazed at how a class of people who barely know each other become so close and bonded in just 4 days. We don’t only learn how to better ourselves as leaders but how to better ourselves at working as a team. I learn so much about myself and about others and that really helps me throughout the school year. Core Camp gives us a good environment and when you’re in a good environment with the right tools, growth and good things happen. My leadership skills are always improved upon leaving Core Camp because I learn so much information that can be used everyday in my leadership class. ~Kassidy
Core camp is an overall inspiring and rejuvenating camp that our class is lucky enough to attend. Through the reflections of what our school needs to work on and how we can improve the atmosphere of our campus, students learn to work with others to provide for all. Core camp is that first spark to start the fire of wanting to be a leader inside of each student. Not only does it empower students, it also brings the class together into one. Based on my past experience, core camp was the initial sprout that introduced me to leadership and blossomed into a wonderful passion. With the assistance of the job sessions, students are introduced to what their year is going to look like and how to tackle obstacles that may come their way. Core camp teaches leadership skills to each student by making us come together and organize ourselves in a productive and effective group. Each student learns a lot more than just how to be a leader at core camp. Laughs and even tears are shared during the short visit but the memories are long lasting. Although I didn’t attend core camp this year, my experience from last year is one I am forever grateful for and one I will never forget. ~Chloe
As an individual, core camp taught me to accept myself for who I truly am. This camp teaches high school students how to handle workload as a team, come to compromises, but also enjoy every moment of it since you are working along side others who are in the same boat. When I first came, I felt weird opening up to some people because of how they would think of me, but I quickly learned that our students truly care about each other and leadership. So, being able to learn that was enjoyable, and I'm glad I get to take that back to Ripon.
At core camp, the Ripon High students came up with Core principles that we have to follow throughout the year to be successful as a team. Of course I believe this effects the class because it pushes everyone to perform and work together to their best abilities, which is what we need during the school year. For example, if one student were to slightly slack off, then it effects everyone else in a negative way. So, with that in mind, each and every student will fulfill their jobs with the best work so the class can also have a positive outcome.
My leadership skills have personally developed due to the topics I learned more about at Core Camp; such as, time management, team work, creativity, and understanding social media. With these skills, I am now more equipped for my job as Publicity Officer and look forward to the upcoming year. ~Gianna
Core Camp has given me the confidence to use my voice in ASB. I have developed the mindset that I have the potential to be a change in school and a role model. Core Camp has shown me that hard work and kindness have the power to impact lives. I am so much closer and connected to my classmates than I would have been from not attending Core Camp. The class became one unit instead of individuals working together. The bonding activities truly united us and we all know each other on much more personal level. This will allow us to work together more efficiently as we plan and execute events in the upcoming year. Core Camp is going to allow us to start our year with much more enthusiasm and eagerness. I have already seen more organization and positivity in my life from Core Camp. My leadership skills are much stronger and developed. I am more motivated to implement these skills into my daily life and school life. ~Dallas
Core Camp for the second year was so much fun. It taught me that finding my path wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it. It reminded me of all the things I need to be aware of for this year. As a class, we bonded so well. The incoming freshmen fit in and we all welcomed them. Core Camp prepares the class for the school year and teaches everyone that we have to trust each other. Last year, I didn’t speak out, I was too scared about what other people were going to think about me. So I stayed back and watched the seniors give all of their ideas and come up with the homecoming themes. This year coming into camp I didn’t think much would change but I found myself comfortable with the class. I spoke out, danced in front of camp, and talked to more people than I did last year. Overall, I feel more prepared for the school year and I’m excited for the many events we have planned for the school. ~Malery
Core camp was and is a life changing event that I will never forget. I developed friendships and relationships with people I have never met and grew closer to the ones I did know. I learned so much about myself, my job, and my duties as a leader. Core camp effected the class as a whole by bringing us closer together and creating a strong bond. This will allow us to work closer together during the school year. My leadership skills have grow stronger than they have ever been. This will allow me to concur many trials that I will face during the school year. Core camp is an experience that will shape my life from now, on. I believe that if someone were to experience this one camp, they will be impacted so strongly that their life would be changed forever. ~Annie
At Core Camp, I really grew as an individual. Camp made me step outside of my comfort zone and that really helped me grow. I learned how valuable trust is and I rediscovered how important it is to be a responsible and dependable person. Being at the camp with other schools gave me the chance to build relationships with students from other Northern California high schools. I also got to create connections with the camp coordinators and consultants, which are valuable associations to have.
Core Camp really helped unite the leadership class and allowed us to build a foundation of trust that will support us throughout the school year. Being able to go to this camp as a class strengthened our program because the specialized job sessions for our positions helped us become efficient as individuals. When we become efficient individuals, it makes working together to create and execute school activities even more successful. It provided us with the opportunity to bond as a class and helped us effectively plan homecoming festivities. Most importantly, we all created friendships that extend beyond class and will last for the years to come.
Facilitative leadership is one of the skills that I developed at camp. As a student government leader and an active campus club leader, knowing how to properly run and participate in a meeting is a very valuable asset. It also expanded my knowledge of publicity and public relations in the job sessions. The skills that I learned at Core Camp developed me as a professional leader. I am looking forward to going to the camp again and I highly suggest Core Camp to anyone who has the opportunity to attend. ~Maria
Core Camp has affected me in countless different ways. Among these, the most impactful parts of it for me were the new bonds I got to make, and the old bonds I got to strengthen. This year (2018) was my second year attending the camp, and it was a wildly different experience compared to my first time at camp. I was more open to forming relationships, and more absorbent to the methods of leadership taught; it made much more of an impact on me the second time around. I believe Core Camp affects the whole class by forging dependable relationships between all of us. As a class, we are often regarded as a family, and I don't believe this type of familial bond is possible without Core Camp. We get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses in order to realize where each of our cogs fit into the machine that is leadership. Core Camp also gets us to realize that we can’t accomplish anything if even one person doesn’t do their job. During camp, we spend a good amount of time in what’s called a Job Session. We are split according to position (Presidents, Publicity, Spirit, etc.), and each group works to hone their leadership skills specifically for their position. People new to the position learn the ropes of what is expected while veterans fine tune their skills and assist others. Another chunk of our time during camp is spent in Core Sessions. During these sessions, our whole leadership class gets together & applies what we learned in our Job Sessions to help execute activities, plan activities, and participate in discussions. We get a peek at how the class should run for the rest of the year, while also getting guidance from camp counselors so that we will know the correct course of action during the actual school year. ~Brendan
Core camp has led me on a path of further improving myself and my form of leadership. The use of public speaking and sessions has definitely made me come out of my shell more and be more “comfortable being uncomfortable”. Although it can be challenging for me, I understand that pushing my self is necessary for being a great leader. Being able to bond with my peers before school even starts, greatly helps with us knowing and being more reliant with each other. We will be able to communicate and work more effectively because we’ve been introduced to each other’s style of leadership and preferences. Going to job sessions helped us learn more thoroughly of our role, not only in the classroom, but in our community as well. Our actions should always be what is best for everyone, not just for ourselves. I have learned of more skills that will absolutely be utilized throughout the school year. The tool of facilitative leadership will especially help us incoming freshman representatives, so we can make sure to make efficient decisions while still letting our voices be heard. We established Core Principles, which will guide us to make the best decisions and to represent Ripon High School to its fullest extent. Core Camp has beyond a doubt helped me continue down my path of leadership, while helping me become the best version of myself because of it. ~Avery
The last overnight-type camp I have been to before Core Camp was in 6th grade; it was called Science Camp and it had several similarities as well as some differences. Both were in a wooded area and both were near the ocean. I did visit the ocean in both camps. I also had very little friends with me. In the case of Science Camp I only saw them for a limited amount of time, and at Core Camp I didn’t come with any. At Science Camp, I made some connections, which was a big feat considering how timid I was then, but none of them were ever upheld. Conversely, in the case of Core Camp, I feel like the connections I have made were strong and this is because the group of people there were so exclusive. I was able to discover each individual's personality in an outside of school setting, whereas in school this would be difficult with the busyness of schoolwork and our own friends outside of leadership. I got to know my future friends. Having friends in your class not only makes it more fun, but it can also add more productivity because friends tend to trust friends more. Core Camp has helped me develop my leadership skills because you are forced to speak up and share ideas, which before I was not too keen on doing. Eventually I didn’t even care when a group leader would tell us to sit next to someone I didn't know or tell someone unfamiliar about my life’s story because it became common practice, but also I have just become friendly with all of the leadership class. To put this in context, in previous years I have always thought that the kids of the leadership class were scary, big, and just better than me in just about everything. When school comes around inevitably, I can’t wait to use my new skills and more open personality beyond those in leadership. ~Elias
As an individual, the impact of Core Camp was massive in multiple ways. First of all, getting to know the other students in Leadership is extremely important, especially since I am an incoming freshman. Without connections being established before the school year begins, I would not be as mentally prepared for what is to come during high school. Repeatedly, we did activities at Core Camp that were meant to bring us closer together, and they succeeded; the fact that it worked in such a short amount of time is astonishing. Along with team-building games, I also learned a vast variety of Leadership skills and tools to prepare me for the year. Facilitative leadership was huge in allowing me to understand how to run a meeting, and the discussions the class had in both core and job session gave me a better understanding of my role as Freshman Representative, as well as what people will expect of me. The class as a whole has been deeply affected by our four-day journey at Core Camp. We all grew closer together throughout the trip, with new friendships being made every single day. Also, learning how to work together as a group has prepared us for the school year; we all have a better idea of what our job truly requires from us at Ripon High. My leadership skills have developed vastly at Core Camp. At the seminar, I learned about keeping a balance between the needs of students at Ripon High, and the needs of myself. At core sessions, I learned many phrases to use in leadership class, such as “Fail forward,” “Find your why,” and “We is one.” I will always be able to refer back to these whenever I feel doubt or uneasiness about something. Overall, Core Camp definitely changed me. I am clearly not an entirely new person, but I have learned to improve upon many aspects in my current life and translate them into my future at Ripon High. ~Anthony
For me, Core Camp is the initial bonds and memories you get with your leadership class before the year even starts. I have gone to camp for three years now, and every year I always leave feeling really content knowing that I have a whole class that cares about me like a family would. The most unique part about Core Camp is the environment. You are never judged by anyone and every person there has the same goal, which is to better their school for the student body. I think that Core Camp is really important to the class as a whole because you get to know your classmates personalities. In leadership, communication is especially important and you can not expect to cooperate with someone else if you don't know their personal qualities and boundaries. The whole class also gains tools for their jobs so they are not walking into the year with barely any knowledge on our postion. There are many areas of Core Camp where my leadership skills are developed. One of those areas was my Job Sessions. You get to meet people from other schools that have similar jobs to you and together you work on pieces of events that take place at the camp. There are also CORE Sessions with your class. There was many times where we had to practice facilitative leadership and being respectful towards other people. Overall, Core Camp has really changed my life and I have some of my favorite memories being up at UC Santa Cruz with my leadership family. ~Troy
At Core Camp I learned more about myself and my capabilities as a person, as a leader and as an effective member of our ASB Leadership team. I not only learned more about my job position and brought home many new ideas, I learned more about my peers and how I will personally and effectively work with them. Throughout those 4 very short days, I learned that along my path, there will be many obstacles and sometimes I will fail or I’ll make the wrong turn in life, but in the end, it will all be for the greater good. This can be applied to our class as a whole as well, by overcoming a campus issue and or an issue within our ASB class. We may approach the issue or obstacle one way, we may fail the first time, but as long as we gain something from our failure and get back up to try again, it will make our class stronger. My leadership skills have been developed by being more open minded and observant. I have gained the knowledge about becoming a stronger leader by listening to others and piecing together my own opinion and or taking what they have to say and applying it to myself. I also have learned to become very observant about what others like to see or hear and with that, I apply to myself to better represent myself as a role model. Time has a very large effect on my leadership skills, because for me, it has taken time and effort to better myself as a role model for others. This has been my third time attending camp and each year, I have gained another piece of myself that I never would have unless it was from camp. I have just began my own journey in finding my path and I cannot wait to see my outcome. ~Caryssa
Core camp had a huge impact on my life, and it is gonna have a impact on my whole school year. I was scared for high school because I am a upcoming freshman. That change when I got to core camp. I met tons of people from different schools and I bonded with my leadership class. I knew no one, including the freshman, because they were all from a different school. When we got there we all connected through our lip syncing to our bonding activities. We all made great memories and we all learned something new about ourselves, other people, and how to become a better leader. We all bonded in different ways and we made great connections with each other. This is extremely important in leadership because without communication we would not get anything accomplished. When I was coming to core camp I didn’t want to say a word because I was new to this thing. When we did our talks as a class it made me push outside my comfort zone. I got to say ideas in front of people I didn’t even know. I learned that if one of us doesn’t function then none of us function because we is one. ~Evan
Core camp is not only a place to learn a plethora of leadership skills, but a place to develop bonds with other leaders, grow as an individual, and create unforgettable memories. Core has taught me how to be a better leader by accepting my insecurities, realizing that every idea is a valid idea, and that it is important that we fail forward. My views towards leadership has definitely changed because of camp. Although it was only three days, those few days were packed with knowledge and wisdom to lead the class. This year, core camp was definitely more affiliated with a family then the last. We are now closer then ever sharing humorous stories and memories. The bond that we have created will continue to become stronger and hopefully unbreakable. I have a feeling that this year will be filled with eye watering laughs and crazy adventures. Leadership 2018-2019 will definitely be unforgettable and I’m more then thrilled to be able to find our path with some incredible leaders. ~Niki
Camp is a dynamic and completely life-changing event, and will remain one of the most positive experiences I've had (or that anyone could have) at my age. Camp did teach some technical aspects to becoming an effective leader, including the different roles students may have and what they do, how to effectively receive criticism and new ideas, and strategies to help bring a room back to its primary focus. But more importantly, Core Camp gave me a desire to learn and connect with others through the qualities I have that can relate to others, and made me more passionate about the role I'll have and who I'll be over this next school year. And most importantly, Core Camp made me want to continue to develop my leadership abilities beyond what I've learned already. I can safely say that as an individual, I feel changed in the perspective I withhold and motivated to be a light to my campus.
If it hadn't been for Core Camp, I don't think the year would go by as smoothly as we'd hope for it to be. I was nervous about not knowing lots of people there, but by the end of camp, I felt so much more comfortable with everyone. It's crazy how you can get to know some people so well in a matter of 3 days, but that's the way it happened to work. If we hadn't gotten the opportunity to know our other peers, we wouldn't be able to work as well together as a whole, or possibly have the deeper discussions that we did. Overall, camp will have a positive impact on any team willing to work hard for a common good, and I believe this is why it worked so well for us.
My leadership skills are developed now in a way I never expected them to grow, and of all things that would occur over the upcoming school year, I was the least certain about Core Camp- I had no idea what to expect from it. But from the three days I spent there, I can say that I've grown a lot as a technical leader as well as in the mindset I need to have and concepts I need to withhold. I feel ready to be a leader among my peers and to stand out from the crowd, as well as set realistic goals I'll be motivated to achieve. The environment presented and family made it easy for me to truly listen to what I was being taught, and apply it to group discussions. Core Camp was something I'll never forget, and what I learned there I'll take forward in stride in ASB and throughout the rest of my life. ~Ashley
Core Camp was a truly great experience. As a result of the bonding and all of the discussions we had as a group, I feel more aware of each individual and I now can recognize how each person brings something different to the table. I think that is important in any team; certainly for a leadership team. The skills we developed at Core Camp will also play substantial role in having a successful year. We know that communication and productivity will determine our effectiveness. On a more personal level, attending core camp was an amazing experience. Establishing that everyone is still learning and trying to be the best leader and person that they can be creates a really positive atmosphere for everybody there. That is the vibe that core camp held this year and it made me realize that it’s really good to have confidence in who you are and to have passion for everything you do. I was able to see that we can really make a difference at our school, and that is because we care and have passion for it. Carrying that message with me this year will make myself a better leader as a whole.
-Aiko
Core Camp is a life changing experience. Last year was my first year going to camp and I came back a different person. Throughout the four days I felt myself developing into a new and improved person. Every year those four days are my favorite days of summer. You just have an overwhelming feeling of love, knowledge, and fun. The class also bonds like we have known each other our whole lives. The incoming freshman get to experience how the class is before we start and that helps very much. The last night the girls always break the rules and stay up in one rooms together and we just get so close as a class, that night leads to better bonds in the future. The core sessions help us get a head start on the year and it helps us out a lot when the year starts. Two years of core camp has changed my life so much. Junior year when they told me that it would change your life I didn’t believe them. I am just a more confident and happy person. At camp you practice public speaking and it helps a lot. Not only do you work on yourself, you work on your job position too so it also helps you out for the upcoming year. The whole camp is designed to change you into a better leader and person and I think everyone deserves to experience it. ~Kate P.
Over the past four years of attending Core Camp, it has become more than just a camp to me. It has become a place for growth, learning, bonding, but most importantly, memories. I have learned to be unapologetically me, give more than you take, listen more than you speak, and lead more than you direct. From my first year to my last I have seen so many good changes in my abilities. It has allowed me to develop stronger skills in leading such as delegation and leading by example. Core Camp impacts every individual in a different way, and that it is okay to be different individuals. More importantly, it teaches us that despite those differences, we can come together as one to impact our school and community for the better. Together as a team each year we have learned more than imaginable and made the most lasting memories of the whole year. This camp has allowed us to plan ahead for our year and given us a bond to make stronger connections for the long year ahead of us. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity I had in all four years of my high school career and I think that Core Camp is a great beginning to a great year. ~Mia
Core Camp impacted by helping me realize that having the capability to do great things is not determined by age, but by hard work and dedication. My position in Leadership is something new to me but I now have the knowledge and support system that will help me with the endeavors of the year and it has taught me that it is okay to fail as long as I fail forward. However, I feel that the biggest impact Core Camp had on me was by giving me a setting in which I could form and strengthen amazing bonds with my peers in Leadership. I feel that our class this year has gained a closeness that can only be achieved when you're with each other for four days and have to do awkward team bonding exercises and eat weird cafeteria food. The memories and lessons from Core Camp are so unique that it creates a tie with the people you spend it with and I feel that it is those ties will help make this year a great in our program. Our class has become a team that is ready to take on the good and bad times that come with leadership. But Core Camp does more than just inspire us for the year, it helps us with real Leadership skills that will be an asset to us beyond high school. For example, I was able to further develop my public speaking and delegating skills in my Job Session. In addition, I was able to practice facilitating my own meeting and figure out techniques that work for me in order to keep everyone engaged and on task. The knowledge from this camp left me with a newfound confidence for the responsibilities that Leadership entails . ~ Ana
Core Camp helped me a lot by building relationships with other student leaders in the program that I will be communicating with throughout the school year. The experience also helped me learn how to manage time planning the rallies and to have fun while doing so. I also got the opportunity to plan and perform my first rally in which I got very positive responses from not just Ripon, but all of the other schools who attended. Needless to say, Core Camp taught me how to be a great leader on campus. As a school, we came up with core principles, homecoming themes, and we got to know each other better. It affects us as a school because it teaches us a lot about teamwork and getting the job done. Working with each other really helps the group because if we procrastinate, we will have problems down the road and we won’t get the job done in time. The Core Sessions helped me create such a strong bond with everyone in the room because everyone in leadership is so friendly and we all have traits that we can relate to. My leadership skills have developed very strongly throughout the four days we were at camp. I was given a lot of helpful advice by my job session advisors on how to get the job done without any problems. If there is a problem ahead, we could think of ways we can fix it in the future. As a leader, I want to make sure that I do not fall behind schedule and make the school proud. ~Royce
I wrote about a retreat I attended at my church and I included some of the topics that were brought up at the retreat and expanded on how it applies to leadership.
Going away to a camp or retreat is an effective way for anyone to reflect on their actions, relationships, and how to become a better person. Although I was unable to attend Core Camp this summer, I attended a church retreat for two days in April. Even though it was a church retreat, many of the lessons I learned there apply to leadership, too. I learned the importance of giving back to the community, the importance of effective communication, and the importance of self reflection. At the retreat one of the “big ideas” was to give back and participate in your community. This lesson applies to leadership because as leaders we want to set an example for others to do good things for the community also. Being a leader is not only about showing what a leader is, it’s about proving it too by taking action and to do something without being told to. This also ties into effective communication. To be a good leader means that people know they can talk to you about things and that you will be there to listen to them. Helping someone or a community will also let you become confident within yourself, which is also needed to become a good leader. Going away to my church retreat really let me reflect on these topics and helped me reevaluate myself as a leader, and how to become a better leader. -Naomi
The core camp environment is unlike any other. There is no judgement about who you are, where you came from, or what you believe, and everyone attending is constantly trying to better their surroundings. As a class we were able to create new bonds that will help us more willingly reach out and trust each other during the school year. Doing things like planning for homecoming and establishing our core principles gave us a headstart on our year so we can get straight to work when it begins. At camp, we went to job, class, and whole camp sessions, in which we learn different skills for each. At my job session I learned how to utilize my resources well, no matter how limited or plentiful they are. As a class we learn conflict resolution, how to create a more positive impact on our student body, and to always be pushing to fail forward. In whole camp sessions, we learned skills that will not only guide us through the school year, but through life, including how to stay true to yourself when you are surrounded by negativity, and that taking the easy path does not always mean it is the right path. In just four days, we made so many memories, learned valuable leadership skills, became more like a family than a class, and grew very excited for the upcoming school year. Carrying what we learned from this camp, and integrating it into everything we do as leaders, will provide a solid foundation for a great year. ~Molly
My first year at Core Camp was a truly unique experience that I will never forget. I came into Core Camp not knowing many people since it was my first year, but everyone was so welcoming and made me feel as though I truly belong. The Core Camp staff was phenomenal and encouraged me to be the best leader that I can be through position training, general sessions, and seminars. These different classes impacted me because they gave me insight on how to effectively communicate with others and be a great example to my peers. “Leaders create more leaders” is one of the core principles we established together. I believe that Core Camp positively affects the group as a whole because we get to bond prior to the school year, which makes it much easier to work together and share our ideas. Whenever I think of Core Camp 2018, I smile because of all the fun we had as a group. We especially bonded on the last night when the leadership girls had a slumber party, and we laughed so hard it made our stomachs hurt. We also did many team-building activities which helped develop my communication skills. Additionally, we learned that you must be comfortable with failure in order for growth to occur; this particular mindset of “failing forward” was inspiring to me because it will help me overcome obstacles that will come up in the future. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend Core Camp, and I look forward to this upcoming school year.
-Brooke
This year at core camp was my second year spent at the beautiful, UC Santa Cruz. The impact this year was big because it's my first year going in with an assigned position. With my position, Administrative Coordinator, I needed to get all the skills and tools in order to fulfill this position. I feel that Core Camp helped me with that goal and the knowledge is only going to make me better at my position. Core camp was also more than just learning your position, it was also bonding and building teamwork skills with everyone in your class. With a class of thirty-eight, it can be hard to speak out sometimes. Camp taught us how to make everyone feel included and taught me my favorite "one mic', so only one person has the floor each time. It also made me realize that my class this year is a lot closer, we are one big family now. The overall outcome from camp was I became a better leader. I came out with knowing that leaders need to create more leaders, not just followers. In order to create a more spirited school, you need to be spirited first. This year's theme was "follow your path." I felt this applied to me because I often let boulders get in my path. I learned to not let these boulders stop me because I will miss out on great opportunities. ~Gracie
My Core Camp experience this year was something unexpected, but a welcome start into the new year. I learned so much while away at camp that is crucial to ensuring a productive and efficient year, like roles and expectations I have as a campus leader, as well as job-specific training. With these skills, I feel more confident going into the year. Rather than spend unnecessary time learning the ropes, I feel as if I can get started right away. As a team, we learned about communicating and listening. We set goals and agreements, as well as our Core Principles, which serve as a standard for us as a class and what we put out to the school. Besides communication and facilitating, another important aspect of a successful team is a bond. This year, attending Core Camp really expedited the class’s bonding process. I feel a connection with each member in my class. Although some may be stronger than others, my relations with everyone are developing. I can’t wait to continue learning about everyone, and thanks to Core Camp, I’ve already got a head start.
~Gabriel
Core Camp was definitely not what I expected it to be. I presumed that our days would be lecture filled and we’d have no room for fun. Thankfully, that was not the case. Core Camp helped me realize how important ASB and Leadership is, and taught me a lot about the behind the scenes of things. I saw how important every role is, and it helped me learn more about what my role does. It also showed me all that we could accomplish when we work together, and what happens when we get distracted, or go our own directions. Core Camp really helped to unite the class by having us talk to people we hadn’t talked to, and getting us to open up about ourselves. I learned about the best ways to publicize, how vital communication is, and more about my classmates. I created so many memories with my class at Core Camp: such as going to the beach, staying up late to talk with my roommates, and yelling chants at the top of our lungs. I don’t regret attending Core Camp in the slightest, and it was an experience I can’t explain in words. ~Laila
The impact of Core Camp to me as an individual is about getting more comfortable working with other people that you don’t know or have just met. We have a tight knit family inside the leadership classroom, but sometimes you have to work with people outside of leadership and in order to do that you need to be able to function around people you aren’t as close with. I feel that Core Camp helps me improve on that ability. Core Camp is probably the best way for a class to bond and become a family. The atmosphere is way different in this class than it has been in past years, but different in a good way, like a fresh start. We have many new faces and getting to know everyone at a more personal level will allow us to work smoothly and trust one another. After Core Camp we come into the year strong because we feel like we’re ahead of the game, already having Homecoming themes picked out. It’s a bummer for anyone who has to miss out on Core Camp because that’s where a lot of the leadership memories are made. At camp, we work on many leadership skills. You learn how to better lead a discussion, how to facilitate, the different stages of a leader and how to fix problems on campus. The list goes on and on. All these skills are key in having a successful year in leadership. Overall, Core Camp is simply a great time. ~Nico
Being a student that didn't go to Core Camp was hard, but I still had the best leadership experience. Instead of Core Camp, I went to Level Camp Summer Camp, a Christian camp that made us closer to God and learning about becoming a better leader. To start off would have to be the car ride up to camp; we sang and talked, what we were excited about camp, and thought what might God would do for us on this trip. When we first arrived we got into four teams and came up with team names, decorated team flags, and made up a cheer to perform. Being there for only a week, I gained relationships that I thought I would never have had. In that week, we played many team building games. For example, there was one game what we had to link arms and one of our teammates would climb on top until we got to the next station. Then, we would have to pull each other over a rope that we couldn't touch; when everyone got on the other side of the rope, two people would link arms back to back and run to the other side. Lastly, two people had to link arms and the third person would sit on the arms like it was their throne until the whole team crossed the finish line. The whole point of the game was teamwork and that you shouldn't leave anyone behind. We had to communicate and listen to one and other to finish. Throughout church camp, we laughed, cried, joked, and opened up to each other, which will be something that I would never forget. Even though I didn't go to Core Camp, I am proud to say that I went to Level Up Summer Camp to work on having a better relationship with God, with my peers, and improving my leadership skills. ~Zoe
I did not go to Core Camp so I reflected on my cheer camp instead... Cheer camp was a place that allowed me to expand my knowledge on cheerleading, enhance my skills and learn new techniques. I also learned how to be a leader on my team and how to better my team by using all these skills. We, as a team, were never apart which allowed for some great bonding times (ordering 8 large pizzas at 2AM). The walk from the dorms to the gym was a mile walk which took about 20 minutes, this allowed for us to talk about what need to do in our next session and what to do to better help the rest of our team once we return home. I learned how to be more spirited and they had fun games to help us execute that in a fun way. They also had a chance to showcase our skills as individual and as a team which allowed for us to show off what we learned at camp. This camp was a place that allowed me to help me become better at my favorite thing and learn how to become a better leader for my team and for my school. This allowed me to grow as an individual because I spent time with people who valued what I do which made me feel special and that I was doing well. I grew as an individual by learning that being spirited may be "extra" but it really does get the crowd involved. Some of the skills I learned can be applied in Leadership and in the real world. My heart wishes I was walking that mile walk in Fresno one last time. ~B
Prior to attending Core Camp, I had heard, seemingly, too good to be true reviews about the experience. And admittedly I came into the experience a little bit skeptical. I had heard that camp was suppose to teach you things about yourself, leadership, and create a “Leadership Family”. I thought there would be no way that I could bond with some of my fellow leaders. Shockingly, After camp I can say that Core Camp lived up to its reputation. The days are long and exhausting, but so worth the tiredness. The classes are fun and relevant and taught me so much about being a leader and my job. After leaving Core Camp I feel more secure in my abilities and ready for the year. Also, I made friends with almost everyone in the program. After camp a bunch of us hung out for days in a row because of our new bond! ~Carmen
Core Camp is an amazing experience that really brings the whole class together. From laughing at inside jokes during meals, meeting new friends, competitively cheering for your school, or having group work. For me personally Core Camp helped me get out of my comfort zone and I met a lot of new friends in my job session. My leadership skills are even stronger than before and I’m ready to implement them into my everyday life along with my classmates right by my side. The camp really allows you to open your horizons and be able to get ready for the school year, because not just learning about your job you also learn about how everyone fits into your leadership class. It also gets you closer to your classmates through awkward icebreakers and just hanging out in your free time and making jokes. This year will be able to be started faster and smoother because of how much we all know each other and how close we all are. Now the rest of the year will be easy, thanks to the amazing staff and teachers there at Core Camp. -Evan
Core camp really is an amazing experience... every student leader who attends is impacted in countless different ways. Core camp really teaches me to get outside my comfort zone and that it’s okay to be outgoing and loud. I have attended Core Camp for 4 years and every single year I have taken new skills and fun memories back with me! The leadership class becomes a family after because of core camp. The time spent doing activities, having discussions, and bonding as a class really bring us together. The bond created at core camp is unbreakable and will help us to lead together as smooth as possible all year long. My basic leadership skills have not only been sharpened but I have also learned new advanced leadership skills year after year. ~Hailey
Core Camp has made a significant impact on me, especially this year at camp. As I am currently going into my sophomore year of high school, it was my second year at Core Camp this year. This second year I got the opportunity to look more into my specific position in leadership. The sessions available at Core Camp helped me evaluate my responsibilities in the class and have given me effective methods that I can use throughout the year for efficiency in activities. I believe that I am coming into this year as a class officer much more confident than I thought I would be, thanks to the preparation I was given. Not only has Core Camp taught me more about my role in student council, but it was three and a half days of bonding with Ripon High's leadership class. I got to know everyone in the class during meals, BOND, our beach day, at Core sessions, and more. It is warming to see how much of a jump-start our class gets for the school year in result of personally connecting during our days at camp. The college lifestyle becomes very effective at a leadership camp. It gave us perspective into the different relationships we will develop with individuals, and how important time management comes into account while involved in a busy lifestyle. A crucial part of our school year is keeping up with our activities by preparing ahead of time and reflecting on previous years. A key principle of Core Camp for our class is that it allows us to create a brief layout for the beginning of our year. We set goals, create standards for our class, look for areas that need improvement in our activities, and work on self-growth. In the long run, this assists us in the success and quality of our events. Processes run smoother and our class starts the year motivated for purpose and accomplishment. Core Camp is something I would recommend for every student in leadership. It expands each student's knowledge through learning and gives them a chance to become a strong team with their class. ~Kate V.
Core Camp can truly change your perspective on not just leadership but life as well. Personally, Core Camp has impacted me by not only giving me insight on how to be a better leader but also by showing me even leaders struggle sometimes. Core Camp has taught me that it's okay to work on myself and put myself first instead of always focusing on other's needs. Core Camp is a unique leadership camp because everyone is so welcoming which is an icebreaker that encourages more bonds. Each year, Core Camp gives me the tools and resources to grow as an individual, a class, and in my position. Core Camp provides job sessions that are very helpful because you gain confidence and knowledge of the duties you need to fulfill. Being around other schools gives you different outlooks on how other leadership programs function and what events succeeded for them. Also at Core Camp, we break into facilitative and situational leadership sessions that separate everyone by years in the program. These sessions allow for the different skills of leadership to be addressed based on experience. I love Core Camp because it truly affects the class as a whole. There are some many different ways to bond at camp; whereas, during the busy school year it's difficult to just breathe and get to know each other better. Overall, Core Camp is an experience that is always referenced throughout our school year, and I have enjoyed all three years of camp.
~Natalie
Core Camp is an overall unique and inspiring experience that can impact people differently. For me, being that this was my second year attending, I didn’t focus too much on the “classroom learning” aspect, but rather on the overall time and memories that one has the chance to make and enjoy while attending camps, especially this one. The reason why I didn’t focus as much in the classroom as I did last year was because one of the main aspects of Core Camp is to provide hands on learning and execution. Therefore, I felt like me being more shy last year gave me the chance to observe and learn and this year was my year of implementing the overall leadership skills that were taught to me the year before, along with a few new job specific skills from this year. In regards to the class as a whole, I feel like every year we are impacted differently because there are different examples being given, in Reality 101 for instance, and different people in the class each year. In various activities, such as the previously mentioned Reality 101, each class member is given the chance to voice their opinions on the given subject and in turn are providing an insight to who they are as a person and giving the rest of us a chance to bond with them over similar beliefs. This is also a main part of camp because in order to have a strong and successful year within your ASB and your school, you must first build a bond within your class and have a strong CORE. However, there is more to Core Camp than just lectures and classroom activities, starting off with the fact that it is a going away camp. We are given real dorm rooms and roommates from other schools that are also attending the camp, which gives us a taste of what college life/living will be like. We are on a somewhat strict schedule, however, there are still breaks and eating times, where we can socialize and make new friends and memories. In my opinion, this is also a very important part of camp because it allows for individual growth, me breaking out of my shy shell for example. Of course each person is impacted differently which is why I feel like if someone is given the chance to attend Core Camp then they should take it because no one knows what will happen or how it will affect them until they actually go through it. ~Julyssa
This year was my first time attending Core Camp. I was and still am inspired by my peers. As an individual, Core Camp has impacted me in many different ways. First, I have met a lot of new people who taught me tons. I learned many things about myself and others around me. Second, Core Camp taught me how to love others and myself. I had a class called "I am a Living Story.” It explained how you should take care of yourself while you are putting others in front of you. Third, I learned how to not be discouraged when I fail because you always learn from your mistakes. Finally, I have learned to be able to speak in front of others and share my opinion. Core Camp affected the whole class by allowing all of the leadership students to spend time with each other. We got closer every core session (my favorite class) and helped each other understanding difficult situations. We all learned of each others' personalities and examples which causes us to not be embarrassed and become a class family. A saying went around camp that says “We is one.” So all the students of the leadership have to work together as one to make final decisions, be examples, and be fair to others. So, we will always be together and be there for each other. My leadership skills are developed by learning from others, through my mistakes, and being myself. I see what path I have to take in order to make everyone happy and to challenge me. Just like the Core Camp theme, we need to follow our path because you will become the leader you want to be and keep proceeding to your goal. I had a wonderful time at Camp. My heart is full of love for my classmates and I can’t wait to spend the year with them. I am glad to be a leader. - Katelyn